European School of Helsinki shall provide its pupils with such prerequisites for learning that "educated side by side, untroubled by divisive prejudices, acquainted with all that is great and good in the different cultures, without ceasing to look to their own lands, they will become in mind Europeans, and work for a united and thriving Europe"

Art and Music

Art

In grades S1-3 all students have art two hours a week. In grades S4-5 and S6-7 art is optional. Art education includes among other things textile painting/printing, three-dimensional modeling and building, graphics, photography and image processing, comics, and of course the more traditional drawing and painting techniques. Art theory, art history, contemporary art and architecture are learned through practical tasks. Self-assessment, planning, and process description have an increasingly important role in optional arts: the assessment consists of not just the final output, but also the whole creative process and its documentation. In our school it is possible to carry out art in European Baccalaureate degree. In this case, the visual arts have to be studied during the grades S4-5 and as a four hour option in grades S6-7.

Teaching is student-centered: we learn through experiences. Techniques, art history as well as the theory are learned through practice. In the optional courses creative freedom is increased, and tasks are starting to be more independent projects. Planning and creative thinking are important in the evaluation.

Students thoughts:

In the art class you can explore the world of art really easily. It brings out your inner artist.

Deep and thoughtful as well as technically good teaching.

Two lessons a week I can really relax and work on my artistic side.

Music

The European School of Helsinki has a well equipped music room with band instruments, keyboards, different percussion instruments and an interactive whiteboard. The main course content in the secondary school is singing, playing different instruments, composing, listening to music and studying music history and music theory. Students can use ICT technology with musical software for composing music.

Students perform music in different school events. In recent years, students have performed music in school concerts, in Lucia processions, in morning assemblies and in European-day events. Participation with other students supports students’ musical development and gives the opportunity for self-expression.

In years S1-3 music is a compulsory subject and pupils have music two hours per week. In years S4-5 and S6-7 music is an optional subject. Throughout the two-year course in years S6-7 students will focus on performing, composing and listening/responding. In years S6-7 students can choose two hours or four hours of music. Music can be a part of the European Baccalaureate if the student has studied the four hour option during S6-7.